Edmonton Oilers : 10 Players To Look Out For in 2008-09

Here is a look at the top 10 Oilers prospects and potential 2008-09 players.

10. Gilbert Brule, Center

Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets sixth overall in the 2005 draft, Brule was expected to be a future NHL star. With only 32 points in 146 career NHL games, he has failed to live up to those expectations. With some improvement though, he might be able to become part of the Oilers’ line-up on a regular basis in ’08-09.

9. Jean-François Jacques, Left wing

Scoreless in 53 career NHL games, Jacques is a big (6'4", 225 lbs.) forward who has some potential to become a regular in the NHL in the near future.

8. Lubomir Visnovsky, Defenseman

Following a bit of an off-year in 2007-08, the talented defenseman will be looking to get back to the form that saw him put up 58 points in 2006-07 for the Los Angeles Kings. With a fresh start and a new team, he’ll be a top-notch scoring option for the Oilers.

7. Andrew Cogliano, Left wing

Following a great rookie campaign, Cogliano is expected to start the season on a line with Sam Gagner and Robert Nilsson, a line which created good chemistry in ‘07-08. The speedy winger should become a dangerous scoring weapon on the Oilers’ squad.

6. Slava Trukhno, Left wing

Trukhno is a great shooter and a power play specialist who’s not afraid to lay out the body. After almost making the team following training camp, he’ll be looking to make the team, come next year. Although he’ll most likely serve as a replacement, this kid has some potential.

5. Marc-Antoine Pouliot, Center

The 22nd overall pick in the 2003 draft, Pouliot is expected to become a regular on the Oilers roster, come next season. The second leading scorer for the Springfield Falcons in ’07-08, he’s got good passing ability and a decent wrist shot.

4. Sam Gagner, Center

After concluding a sensational season and finishing fifth in rookie scoring, Gagner is expected to do big things next year. A great playmaker, let’s see if he can live up to those expectations and avoid the "sophomore slump".

3. Theo Peckham, Defenseman

A skilled, hard-hitting defender, Theo "Wreck ‘em" Peckham should make the jump to the NHL soon enough. Arguably the most improved Oilers’ prospect in the last couple of years, this kid has huge upside to his game.

2. Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, Goaltender

With a complicated three goalie situation forming up in the Oilers’ organization for the upcoming season, Drouin-Deslauriers will most likely make his first start in the NHL. Great down low, he needs to improve up-top.

1. Rob Schremp, Center

An absolute wizard with the puck, Schremp has been improving his game every year. Last year’s top scorer for the Springfield Falcons, he has huge potential to become a very good NHL player. Don’t be surprised if you see him in an Oilers jersey next year.